Group-Analytic Contexts, Issue 81, September 2018

Newsletter – Autumn 2018 3
Editorial
This will be the final issue of Contexts using the formats we have used
since Contexts became a digital online only publication at the start of
2016. All being well, the next issue in December will be fully
embedded in the GASi website with a new look completely consistent
with the form and aesthetics of www.groupanalyticsociety.co.uk. The
hope is that this will render Contexts a much easier and inviting
publication to both read and navigate. While the Yumpu platform that
we have used to publish Contexts, since going digital only, has proved
convenient, relatively easy to organise and extremely low cost, i.e.,
free, allowing us to visually mimic the old paper and Sage online
versions, it is clear that enough members have found it too
uncomfortable as a reading experience and have, as a result, given up.
That some (many?) members are no longer following Contexts is of
course a real concern and goes against the spirit of what the
publication is about. Embedding Contexts in the GASi website is the
first stage in transforming the publication. For those members who
enjoy the pdf version of Contexts because it can be stored on your
smartphone, laptop or tablet and read at leisure away from WiFi and
internet signals, another option that is being considered is the
installation of a function that will allow members to download a pdf
version of the newsletter that can be both stored and printed in a form
that will carry the new look. I am excited about these forthcoming
changes and feel confident that Andre Pessoa, who designed the new
website and is collaborating with us on the Barcelona Symposium
2020 image and publicity materials, is more than sufficiently sensitive
to the needs of our society.
In my previous editorial I invited people to come forward
with proposals for special issues of Contexts. I am determined to
increase member involvement in the editorial process. So, in recent
years we have begun to have regular contributors such as Derek Love,
Susanne Vosmer, Mike Tait and Marcus Price. After the Foulkes
Lecture, Rob White, who filmed the lectures that weekend and will
hopefully continue to do so, offered his services to Contexts as an
experienced writer and editor. I have since invited Rob, who has
agreed to take this on, to start a regular interview feature. It is hoped
that in time members across the full spectrum of membership will be
interviewed by Rob, whether individually or as part of a group
interview. I am grateful to Rob for offering his time and experience
and look forward to working with him. We hope to have the first
interview in the December issue.